Pageant organizers announces ‘real winners; Finalist Lovely Jane Tanglao ‘stable’and recovering’ after freak accident
Binibining Pilipinas USA winners: (From left) 2ND Runner Up Gabbie Gonzales; Binibining Pilipinas USA–Tourism Czarina Hermoso; Binibining Pilipinas USA 2014 Christelle Abello and 1st Runner Up Caitlin San Diego. Not in photo is 3rd Runner Up Lovely Jane Tanglao. Photo: Andy Edralin/Aze Media
Los Angeles – After an eventful and dramatic Coronation Night at the Centinela Valley Center for the Arts in the South Bay, Los Angeles, organizers of the 2014 Binibining Pilipinas USA, late Saturday evening, clarified and confirmed the official results for its second annual pageant.
The official results:
Binibining Pilipinas USA: Christelle Abello
Binibining Pilipinas USA–Tourism: Czarina Hermoso
1ST Runner Up: Caitlin San Diego
2ND Runner Up: Gabbie Gonzales
3rd Runner Up: Lovely Jane Tanglao
With the final two candidates on stage for their crowning moments, it was initially announced that Binibini No. 4, Czarina Hermoso, a 17-year old beauty, won the title of Binibining Pilipinas USA 2014. Instead, Binibini No. 9, Christelle Abello, a 20-year old stunner, scored the highest rankings and should have been proclaimed the titleholder of Binibining Pilipinas USA, rather than her announced Binibining Pilipinas USA-Tourism crown.
Immediately after this on-stage announcement and with the show at the close, the lead tabulator ran into the audience to tell the organizers that Abello was the actual winner. By then the stage was in chaos, and the executive team immediately began to investigate what transpired, leading to a conference between tabulators and senior production staff.
“We have determined that this was not a tabulation error, as the votes were validated and certified correct,” explained pageant co-executive producer, Norberto Reyes; “it was not an error committed by the hosts, since they merely read the results given to them. Rather, this was a simple but, unfortunate transmittal error, as the form used by the production team to convey the results to the emcees was misinterpreted, and the ranking of the final two candidates was reversed,” he added. “It was not discovered until after the proclamation. The tabulation forms correctly listed the finalists in reverse order”.
“However, the form used to deliver the results to the hosts listed the order of announcement, (instead of by ranking), which called for 5th, 4th, 3rd, then 1st, explained Reyes. “We deeply and truly regret that this inconsistency in the two forms resulted in the confusion.”
Per pageant policy, copies of the tabulation scoresheets were made available to all top ten candidates.
After conferencing, organizers immediately shared all gathered findings backstage with the two involved candidates and their parents. After some discussions with their parents, both Hermoso and Abello graciously offered to embrace the true outcome, accept their blessings and simply exchange their crowns and sashes.
The Miss Philippines USA 2014 Swimsuit Competition was held last Saturday at the Inifinity pool area in the Orange County estate of Carlitos and Elizabeth Jocson (owners of The Yardhouse). Swimsuit Competition Judges shown from left are: Richard Maghanoy, Vic Perez, Elizabeth Jocson, Chechel Joson, Imee Ong-Maghanoy and Joel Joves. There are 26 candidates vying for the title of Miss Philippines USA 2014. Photos: Marc Pijuan
“This touching display of graciousness and uncommon maturity from these two young women should be greatly admired and respected,” said co-executive producer, Mildred Deang. “Many adults could learn a few lessons in grace and humility from these two, impressive young women. One could only commend their loving parents for the outstanding values and behavior of these two beautiful Filipina-American role models. They are the real story here.”
Deang said, “We could not be more proud of the way these two young ladies handled themselves during this trying situation,” added Deang. “As the producers of Binibining Pilipinas USA 2014, we accept full responsibility and assure our contestants, attendees and sponsors alike that integrity, transparence and quality remain paramount in our continued commitment to deliver top-quality events for the Filipino-American community.”
Following a tearful embrace, Abello and Hermoso playfully – and impromptu — exchanged crowns and sashes and posed for pictures with their respective crowns. They then proceeded to the VIP after party to celebrate with their families, friends and fellow candidates after organizers announced the clarified results.
At the VIP party, a photo session with the top five winners took place, absent 3rd Runner Up Lovely Jane Tanglao, who had suffered an unfortunate accident after the proclamation. Organizers are pleased to report that as of Sunday afternoon, Tanglao was treated and released and was said to be recovering. Organizers said they will continue to monitor Tanglao’s condition.
Special Awards Winners:
a. Binibining Popularity – Caitlin San Diego
b. Binibining Social Media – Flor Melendrez
c. Binibining Best in Talent – (tie) Caitlin San Diego, Sheri-Lynne Ducusin
d. Binibining Fil-Am Insider Reader’s Choice- Brigid Hitalla
e. Binibining Best in National Costume – Gabbie Gonzales
f. Binibining Friendship – Sheri-Lynne Ducusin
g. Binibining Photogenic – Christelle Abello
h. Binibining Best in Swimsuit – Czarina Hermoso
i. Binibining Best in Evening Gown – Christelle Abello
List of Top Ten Semi-Finalists
Binibini #2 – Caitlin San Diego
Binibini #4 – Czarina Hermoso
Binibini #5 – Bianca Filart
Binibini #6 – Tiffanny Miehls
Binibini #9 – Christelle Abello
Binibini #10 – Amanda Abernathy
Binibini #11 – Kathleen Tagarao
Binibini #13 – Gabbie Gonzales
Binibini #16 – Lovely Jane Tanglao
Binibini #17 – Krystal Neag